Thursday, September 19, 2019

SERVICEMAN DIES IN OTTER CREEK RADIO FIRE - 1923

In late January of 1923, a fire broke out at a Naval Radio Station which was located on land that is now part of Acadia National Park.  The fire caused about $150,000 in damages and cost the life of  serviceman, Clifton W. Ward, who was operating a film projector in the projector room when the fire broke out.  The fire spread at rapid speed and Mr. Ward became trapped in the projector room, which had no windows and only one door in or out. 
The remains of Clifton  W. Ward, the unfortunate victim of the fire, were recovered from the ruins Sunday.  The service was held at the station this afternoon by the Rev. C.W. Turner, Pastor of the Bar Harbor Baptist Church, and the only will, he sent to the home in Longville, La. That afternoon.  Lieut. Fielding and every man in the station spoke in highest terms of this young man, who in two months would have completed his first cruise.  He was twenty-two years of age, a quiet unassuming young man and one who had the respect of the fellows.  His father, Alva Ward, of Longville, La. Survives him.  He was unmarried.